Astros report: Alex Bregman tests out third base

BOSTON - The Astros' plan all along, general manager Jeff Luhnow said, was to expose Alex Bregman to multiple positions in his first full professional season.

But first the organization wanted the touted prospect to adjust to Class AA pitching while playing his natural position of shortstop.

But with Bregman raking in his first 20 games in the Texas League, the Astros became comfortable testing him with a new position. He was set to start at third base Friday night in Corpus Christi's home game against Frisco, his first pro start at the position.

Bregman, the No. 2 overall selection in last June's draft, will continue to primarily play shortstop for the Hooks, Luhnow said. But with star Carlos Correa, 21, manning the position for the Astros at the major league level, a change for Bregman has long appeared inevitable.

Luhnow declined to disclose how often the Astros plan to play Bregman at third base with Corpus Christi. It's possible third base won't be the only position with which the organization challenges him. Luhnow said he thinks Bregman could also handle second base - the Astros are also set there with Jose Altuve - and the outfield.

The Astros have not ruled out the possibility Bregman reaches the major leagues this season, especially if he continues to hit at his current rate.

Despite being less than a calendar removed from playing at LSU, Bregman has excelled against Class AA pitching in his first exposure at the level.

"He's been terrific," Luhnow said. "He's exceeded my expectations, which were high, for him this season, and I think he's put himself into consideration to quite frankly maybe help our club this year."

Bregman, 22, came into Friday batting .311 with a 1.076 OPS that ranked second in the league. He missed 11 games with a hamstring injury but picked up where he left off upon his return May 5. After adding about 20 pounds of muscle to his 6-foot frame in the offseason, he has displayed much more pop this season. His seven home runs through 20 games were four more than he hit in 66 games last year with Low Class A Quad Cities and Class A Lancaster.

Keuchel to start on regular rest

Despite the Astros using a modified six-man rotation for the next week or so, Dallas Keuchel will start Tuesday's series opener against the White Sox on regular rest.

Doug Fister will start Wednesday's game and Mike Fiers will start Thursday's series finale in Chicago. Fiers, who last started this past Monday, was slated to be available out of the bullpen over the weekend against the Red Sox at Fenway Park.

The Astros' rotation for the White Sox series means Lance McCullers will have at least six days of rest after an uneven season debut Friday in which he gave up five runs in 42⁄3 innings for a no-decision.

Although the White Sox have yet to announce their rotation for next week, the Astros are in line to face Carlos Rodon on Tuesday, Mat Latos on Wednesday and Chris Sale on Thursday.

Keuchel endured his worst start of the season in Thursday's 11-1 loss to the Red Sox, allowing eight runs over six innings for a 5.58 ERA. Fister last pitched Wednesday, so he will be pitching on six days' rest in Chicago.

Odds and ends

Evan Gattis hit a two-run home run Friday for Class AA Corpus Christi, his second in as many games. Thursday and Friday marked the first time he caught back-to-back days since the Astros optioned him so he could acclimate himself to the position. He was scheduled to be off Saturday and probably catch again Sunday. Tuesday is the first day he is eligible to be recalled by the Astros. …

Minor league outfielder Marc Wik was suspended 50 games without pay by Major League Baseball following a second positive test for an undisclosed drug of abuse. Wik, 23, and a former 21st-round draft pick, began the season with Class A Lancaster.

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